Pilates

noun

Pi·​la·​tes pə-ˈlä-tēz 

: an exercise regimen that is typically performed on a floor mat or with the use of specialized apparatus and aims to improve flexibility and stability by strengthening the muscles and especially the torso-stabilizing muscles of the abdomen and lower back

Long popular with dancers, Pilates recently has attracted a huge surge of athletes, models, actors and other body-conscious folks.

—Patricia Hagen

She does intensive Pilates, deep-muscle floor exercises and stretches.

—Cosmopolitan

Examples of Pilates in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People using the systems have access to more than 280 strength exercises and six cardiovascular exercises and Pilates. —Tim Casey, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Related Articles Hero service: Hot Pilates, $40/class Majesty’s Pleasure Address: 45 East 20th Street, second floor About: Toronto-favorite social beauty club Majesty’s Pleasure has opened an outpost in New York City. —Emily Burns, WWD, 24 Sep. 2024

Pretty self-explanatory, hot Pilates is a form of Pilates that takes place in an infrared heated studio to boost whatever your fitness goals are. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2024

All other monthly payments: £22 phone, £100 Pilates membership. —refinery29.com, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Joseph H. Pilates †1967 U.S. (German-born) fitness instructor

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Pilates

noun

Pi·​la·​tes pə-ˈlä-tēz 

: an exercise regimen typically performed with the use of specialized apparatus and designed to improve the overall condition of the body